Tips for a Lasting Marriage

Ephesians 5:25 says, “Husbands, love your wives just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.”

I Peter 3:7 says, “Husbands, in the same way be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect as the weaker partner and as heirs with you of the gracious gift of life, so that nothing will hinder your prayers.”

Rachel and I have been married for over 20 years. Marriage isn’t easy. It takes work. It takes commitment. It requires effort. Truth be told, I’m blessed beyond measure.

Men, here are some tips for a lasting marriage (directed to the men):

1.) Keep your marriage vows. The promises you made at your marriage ceremony forms a covenant between you and your wife as well as you and God.

2.) Never speak poorly of your wife to your friends, relatives, or co-workers. Speaking poorly of your wife sheds a negative light on her by others outside of your marriage. She doesn’t deserve that. You wouldn’t want her to do the same to you. Even if she does, always speak of her good.

3.) Pray for her daily.

4.) Listen her her.

5.) Don’t decorate — okay, this is just for me. I’m not a decorator. When Rachel first met me, my apartment was boring. “Clean slate for whoever I marry.” Why decorate if whoever I marry is going to redecorate. BTW, I believe it was a week after, I came home from work to find half of my ties and shirts missing. She decorated me.

Gentlemen – Reply to this post with an uplifting comment about your wife.
Ladies – What are some of the things that I should add to this list? If you are single, what do you desire out of your future marriage? If you are married, what are some things that your husband does to strengthen your marriage?